Council blocks Lib Dem leader's meeting at care centre

2:37pm Wednesday 9th July 2008

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LIBERAL Democrat leader Nick Clegg has been blocked from holding a meeting at Pershore Care Centre in a move labelled disgraceful' and childish'.

Mr Clegg was set to meet the disabled service users and their families at the care centre today (10) but Worcestershire County Council has said that it will not allow the meeting at the centre as the visit seemed contrary to political neutrality.' Judy Hall is among the parents still fighting to save the centre despite the county council's decision to close it. She has invited Nick Clegg and Pershore's Lib Dem parliamentary candidate Richard Burt to her house this afternoon for a discussion.

She said: "We wanted Nick Clegg to have a better idea of what the centre did day to day for our children.

"We will still get together to discuss the state of provision for profoundly disabled people in Worcestershire. I am told that Mr Clegg is a disability rights campaigner and is very interested in this sort of thing. We are determined to keep our fight to save the centre alive and kicking."

Jusy's husband Tony added: "The council has taken a childish attitude."

Richard Burt, said: "Nick Clegg has made his own personal commitment to special needs and mental health provision abundantly clear. I think it is disgraceful that council bosses should deny him access in any way."

Spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council Paul Whittaker said: "Our decision is not one that was taken lightly, but on the basis that the visit appeared contrary to political neutrality and our policy that council resources, including staff and venues, should not be used to publicise politicians or their parties."

The parents of those who use the care centre are planning to take the council's decision for closure to a judicial review in the High Court.